Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $830
High-end/Boutique
$200
$801+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Orange Terror Bass 500 Head". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Meet the Orange Terror Bass 500 Head, a revolutionary bass amp that offers a seamless blend of tube-driven warmth and solid-state power. This hybrid amp is equipped with a tube preamp from Orange's AD200B MK3 and paired with a robust 500W Class-D power amp. It gives you the much-coveted tube tone without the hefty weight, offering an impressive harmonic richness that reacts intuitively to your playing style.
This masterful creation is highlighted by its 12AX7 preamp tube that provides a responsive and warm foundation to your tone. The tube preamp offers a range from subtle grit to all-out grind, compressing your tone in a gradual and ear-pleasing manner when you dig in harder.
The 500W Class-D power amp delivers thunderous volume perfect for any venue. Its highly efficient and lightweight MOSFET design reduces energy consumption while maximizing the amp's capabilities.
Despite its advanced design, the Orange Terror Bass 500 Head is remarkably easy to operate. It features familiar controls like Gain, Bass, Middle, and Treble EQ knobs that allow you to shape your tube preamp tone quickly and effortlessly. The back panel also features an effects loop, a balanced XLR line out, and speakON speaker outputs, increasing the amp's versatility for recording and playing.
Key Features: - 12AX7 preamp tube - 500W Class-D power amp - Gain, Bass, Middle, and Treble EQ knobs - Balanced XLR line out - Effects loop - speakON speaker outputs - Switchable input sensitivity for active or passive instruments - Clean switch - Solid steel housing
Product specs
| Type | Tube Pre, Class D Power |
| Number of Channels | Single |
| Total Power | 500W @ 4 ohms, 250W @ 8 ohms |
| EQ | 3-band EQ |
| Preamp Tubes | 1 x ECC83, 1 x 12AT7 |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Outputs | 2 x SpeakON, 1 x XLR (direct out) |
| Effects Loop | Yes |
| Cooling System | Internal Fan, Top/Side/Rear Air Vents |
| Power Source | Standard IEC AC cable |
| Height | 7.5" |
| Width | 12.1" |
| Depth | 6.3" |
| Weight | 10.25 lbs. |
FAQs
-
What is the power output of the Orange Terror Bass 500 Head?
-
The Orange Terror Bass 500 Head delivers 500 watts of power into a 4-ohm load and 250 watts into an 8-ohm load, making it suitable for both small and large venues.
-
Does the Orange Terror Bass 500 Head have an effects loop?
-
Yes, the Orange Terror Bass 500 Head features a valve-driven effects loop, allowing you to integrate your effects pedals seamlessly into your signal chain.
-
What type of preamp does the Orange Terror Bass 500 Head use?
-
The Orange Terror Bass 500 Head uses a tube preamp with 1 x ECC83 and 1 x 12AT7 tubes, providing warm and dynamic tonal characteristics.
-
How portable is the Orange Terror Bass 500 Head?
-
Weighing just 10.25 lbs and measuring 12.1" in width, the Orange Terror Bass 500 Head is compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport for gigs and rehearsals.
-
What connectivity options are available on the Orange Terror Bass 500 Head?
-
The Orange Terror Bass 500 Head offers 1 x 1/4" input, 2 x SpeakON outputs for connecting to speaker cabinets, and 1 x XLR output for direct connection to mixing consoles or recording equipment.
-
Is the Orange Terror Bass 500 Head suitable for live performances?
-
Yes, with 500 watts of power and a balanced XLR output, the Orange Terror Bass 500 Head is well-suited for live performances, offering both power and flexibility for various venues.
Equipboard's Expert Review
Equipboard tested this
Portable Powerhouse with Vintage Vibes
The Orange Terror Bass 500 Head is a true workhorse. Its rugged construction and lightweight frame make it perfect for both gigging musicians and studio players.
Right out of the box, the Terror Bass 500 impresses with its solid build and eye-catching design. Despite the relocation of manufacturing from the UK to China, the quality remains top-notch; it’s built like a tank and feels durable enough to withstand the rigors of touring. Plus, its included carry bag is a nice touch, making transport a breeze.
As for features, the amp is a bit of a mixed bag. The standout elements for us are the effects loop and the DI out, both of which perform admirably, providing clean and robust sound quality.
Now, let's talk sound. The Terror Bass 500 delivers a vintage sound with substantial warmth and power. Its tube preamp adds a layer of richness, producing a thick bottom end and fuzzy, warm highs. It’s loud, punchy, and cuts through a band mix effortlessly. In combination with different cabinets, it shines, delivering a versatile range of tones.
The Orange Terror Bass 500 Head offers excellent value for its price and is highly portable. Ideal for musicians seeking a reliable, powerful, and vintage-sounding amp.
Videos
Distortion LTD
Orange Amps Terror Bass Demo
Orange Amps Terror Bass Demo
Distortion LTD
ORANGE TERROR BASS
BassTheWorld.com
Orange Terror Bass - Demo
Riffs, Beards & Gear
Orange Terror Bass 500 Demo
The Bass Channel
The Orange Terror 500W Bass Head - 500W for £599!
Andertons Music Co
![Video thumbnail for The LOUD & POWERFUL Lunchbox Amp! - Orange Bass Terror [Demo] by Patrick Hunter](https://img.youtube.com/vi/O8d_pXtsr3E/mqdefault.jpg)
The LOUD & POWERFUL Lunchbox Amp! - Orange Bass Terror [Demo]
Patrick Hunter
Orange Terror Bass 500-watt Bass Head Demo
Sweetwater
Orange Terror Bass 500W Bass Amp Head
Gear4music Guitars
Orange Terror Bass | Review
Guitar Interactive Magazine
Orange Terror Bass Head | Gear4music demo
Gear4music Guitars
Reviews
PROS
-
Versatile EQ and gain settings for various tones
-
Portable and lightweight design
-
Comes with a protective carry bag
-
Powerful output fills any venue
-
Durable construction, "built like a tank"
-
Warm, vintage sound quality
-
Excellent clean and overdriven tones
-
Includes useful features like DI out and effects loop
-
Good value for the price
CONS
-
Some users desire more tone sculpting options
-
Limited to 4 Ohm minimum speaker load
-
DI output affected by master volume control
-
Fan noise may be an issue for some units
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Orange Terror Bass 500 Head.
Features and functionality
-
The Orange Terror Bass 500's limited EQ section is noted for simplicity, yet it still delivers lively and dynamic sound.
Source -
The version 1 Terror Bass delivers 500W at both 4 and 8 ohms, whereas the newer version outputs 250W at 8 ohms, influencing cab pairing decisions.
Source -
The Terror Bass does not provide sound when EQ knobs are set to zero, in line with Fender-style passive EQ designs.
Source
Build quality
-
Owners report past issues with power supply instability in older models, leading to redesigns for better stability and clean headroom.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
The amp paired with a 410 cab is praised for providing powerful rumble and warmth, suitable for overdriven styles like Motorhead and Cliff Burton.
Source -
It's recommended to use mid-forward cabs like Ampeg, Bergantino, or Barefaced to complement the Terror Bass's inability to boost mids, avoiding scooped-sound cabs.
Source
User experience
-
Owners describe the amp as generally reliable, with issues typically appearing early if present, and post-2010 models showing improved quality.
Source -
Owners highlight that the amp can peak near 1000W at 4 ohms, necessitating cabs that can handle such power surges, ensuring reliable performance.
Source -
Owners often use the AD200B or TB-500 for gigs, highlighting their preference for the Terror Bass's distinct sound quality.
Source
Comparisons
-
The amp is described as a "one trick pony" in contrast to models like the Darkglass Microtubes 500, which offers more versatile EQ options.
Source -
Ampeg cabs are suggested as a cost-effective and lighter alternative to Orange cabs, with the added benefit of taking casters for easier mobility.
Source -
The Orange Terror Bass EQ is all cut-only, differentiating it from Fender's boost-cut-boost style, impacting tonal versatility.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 7 Reviews and 28 Ratings
Perfection
I've used 2 of these in my time - one's mine and the other was for a support act - and it's always been powerful, punchy, warm, and just a great sound. I bought it for live gigs since my old amp (a 25 watt fender rumble) wasn't loud enough and people complained they couldn't hear me. Now everybody complains they can't hear anything other than me. So picky honestly! It's built like a tank, the case it comes with is handy since you can carry it like a handbag.
113
Lunchbox
What's for lunch? Fat tone This is a super light hybrid bass head, with plenty of clean headroom and a raunchy tone with the gain cranked. Remember kids, this is a Orange head, the eq knobs are there just for the looks. This head provides great sound and a good set of features, like the balanced output, the fx loop, and the impedance switch that lets you push the full 500watts both at 4 and 8 ohm, which is pretty neat if you use only one cab and it happens to be a 8 ohm cab.
Gutsy, gritty and loud but limited eq
Limited eq but massive amount of power, grit and volume. Very light too. Great rock amp. A shame they are discontinued
81
Best Bass Amp Under £1000
Honestly cant see past my terror bass amp! I really do believe its the best bass amp under £1000!
Artist usage
Add artist
on this photo and live preformances from the MotU era we see luca using an orange head
Based on a discussion from TalkBass, it is confirmed that Mike Mills uses the Orange Terror Bass 500 Head with his Rickenbacker 4001, along with a Sonic 1x15 Bass Cab while performing with the Baseball Project. An image supporting this can be found on Equipboard.
Adam Devonshire is seen using the Orange Terror Bass 500 Head, potentially alongside an Ampeg SVT15E Cab, in a photo captioned "The practice room of dreams" on his Instagram.
.jpg)
He's using the Orange Terror Bass 500 What Head for the Sun Room Session.
"Here I use a 115 cab with AD200B Bass Head. In the states I have a 4×10 cab, and sometimes I use the AD200 or the Terror Bass 500."
In this video stephen talks about his orange bass amps. He states that in the past he used a orange terror bass. he has since switched to the AD200 head
"The Jazz bass runs into a Boss TU-2 tuner and then into a 200-watt Orange AD200 driving an Ampeg SVT 810 cab. The AD200 features four 6550 power tubes and minimal controls. A 500-watt Orange Terror Bass head lays in wait as a backup." - excerpt from Premier Guitar rig rundown.
Tim Ward, bassist for The Fall of Troy, is confirmed to use the Orange Terror Bass 500 Head, as evidenced by footage from the ArcTanGent Festival performance, filmed by Richard Crooks.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Orange Terror Bass 500 Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
-s.webp?v=1783103875)
Community setups
Show yours
More Orange Bass Amplifier Heads
$1,699.99 - $2,999.00
in Bass Amplifier Heads Rank
$1,698.00 - $2,999.00
in Bass Amplifier Heads Rank
$759.00 - $949.00
in Bass Amplifier Heads Rank
.jpg?v=1782929846)
$109.00 - $849.00
in Bass Amplifier Heads Rank
$799.00 - $899.00
in Bass Amplifier Heads Rank
$1,699.99 - $2,999.00
in Bass Amplifier Heads Rank
in Bass Amplifier Heads Rank
$1,699.99 - $2,499.00
.jpg?v=1783065967)
$1,555.00 - $2,999.00
-m.webp?v=1783116324)
$2,199.99 - $2,499.99
in Bass Amplifier Heads Rank
$849.99 - $999.00
in Bass Amplifier Heads Rank
$1,699.99 - $1,999.99
in Bass Amplifier Heads Rank
$700.00 - $1,899.99
in Bass Amplifier Heads Rank
$1,150.00
in Bass Amplifier Heads Rank
$1,498.49 - $1,499.99
in Bass Amplifier Heads Rank
.jpeg?v=1783083475)
-m.webp?v=1783118606)
$2,099.00 - $2,859.00
in Bass Amplifier Heads Rank
$679.00 - $2,621.97
in Bass Amplifier Heads Rank
$899.99
in Bass Amplifier Heads Rank
$999.00 - $1,159.00
in Bass Amplifier Heads Rank
$750.00
in Bass Amplifier Heads Rank
$3,499.99
in Bass Amplifier Heads Rank
$475.00 - $999.99
in Bass Amplifier Heads Rank
$1,309.99 - $1,425.00
in Bass Amplifier Heads Rank
$350.00
in Bass Amplifier Heads Rank
$1,099.00 - $1,199.00
in Bass Amplifier Heads Rank
$1,184.33 - $1,624.00
in Bass Amplifier Heads Rank
$899.99
in Bass Amplifier Heads Rank
$1,359.70
in Bass Amplifier Heads Rank
Accessories & Related Items
Similar
Most Popular Bass Amplifier Heads
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
miggityfriggityGear IQ 5535
-
